Refugees

Refugees

Our staff are dedicated to making refugees feel welcome and included by supporting new families, couples and individuals to build a life and home in Bendigo.

Getting assistance - contact

To get more information on our refugee services call our Bendigo site Address: 171 Hargreaves Street, BendigoPhone: 5448 1600Hours: 9am and 5pm from Monday to FridayAsk for: a member of the settlement services team

How do you help refugees?

The Humanitarium Settlement Program (HSP) is a national program funded by the Australian Government to help refugees to establish themselves when they first arrive in Australia.

The program will assist clients to build the skills and knowledge they need to become self-reliant and active members of our society, through a needs-based, case management approach.

HSP service providers work with clients to identify their needs and goals and develop an individual case management plan. Service providers support clients to achieve outcomes in:

Housing

Physical and mental health and well-being

Managing money

Community participation and networking

Family functioning and social support

Justice

Language services

Education and training

Employment

HSP clients are tiered according to their level of need and complexity of their circumstances. Tier 3 clients receive specialised and intensive services.

Orientation is a key component of the HSP consisting of core topics. These topics provide clients with the basic skills and knowledge that will allow them to independently access services, participate fully in the social and economic life of Australia, and continue their settlement journey beyond the HSP.

Eligibility

The program is assessed on an 'as needs' basis and refugees must meet program criteria:

Holders of these visas may be eligible for services for up to five years after their arrival in Australia or five years after the grant of their onshore visa. In exceptional circumstances other visa sub-classes may receive the services and the five-year eligibility timeframe may be extended.

What is the cost of your refugee services?

All services are delivered free of charge.

Can you organise an interpreter?

Ask for interpreter when you contact our settlement services team and we will assist you. Several members of our team are fluent in the Dhari and Karen languages.

Will the information I tell you be kept private?

Your confidentiality will be respected and is covered by privacy laws.

How do you help young refugees to learn English?

We are very proud of our after-school Homework Club. This program engages volunteers to run activities to boost the reading, writing and English-speaking skills of refugee children.

If you are interested in volunteering or supporting our Homework Club please call our Bendigo site on 5448 1600 and ask for a settlement services team member.

Do you need any accommodation for refugee families?

Our settlement services team is regularly looking for rental accommodation for refugee families and individuals. If you work for a real estate agent who has a home for rent that could be suitable please call our Bendigo site and ask for a member of the settlement services team today.

What if someone in my family or even me gets sick?

Our Refugee Health Nurse Service is designed to support people of refugee background to improve their health and wellbeing. Our nurse works closely with consumers to assess their health needs and support them to access primary and community health services across the City of Greater Bendigo.

Our Men’s Health Clinic helps men to better understand and manage their own health needs. Some of the services provided are annual check-ups, health assessments, information and support. The Men’s Health Clinic operates each Tuesday from 1pm to 7.30pm at our Eaglehawk site, 3 Seymoure Street.

The clinic is staffed by a men’s health male nurse practitioner. The Men’s Health Clinic is bulk billed and bookings are essential. The clinic also operates from our Bendigo central site each Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm and from the Charleston Road TAFE campus each Wednesday morning. Book an appointment at our Men’s Health Clinic on 5434 4300.

The clinic operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm with a female general practitioner and nurses. The clinic is open to all ages. There may be a minimal cost. Phone 5448 1600 (Bendigo) or 5434 4300 (Eaglehawk) to book an appointment.

We offer a full medical practice for all your GP needs at our Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat sites. Our GPs can assist with all your medical needs. Phone 5434 4300 (Eaglehawk), 5448 1600 (Bendigo) or 5430 0500 (Kangaroo Flat) to book an appointment.

We know alcohol, illicit or prescription drug addiction can be a harrowing experience.

We provide psychological support for individuals, families or partners affected by alcohol and other drug use through our specialised and generalist counselling programs at our Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk and Bendigo sites.

I’m a teacher and have a concern with a refugee student

Our settlement services staff regularly work with schools and teachers in the Bendigo area to ensure refugee students receive the best education possible. Call our Bendigo site on 5448 1600 and ask for a settlement services team member.

Do you ever need donations for refugees?

Absolutely – many refugees arrive in Bendigo with very little.

One of the things we always need for our refugees is blankets, beanies, gloves and scarfs. Many refugee families come from very warm homelands and find themselves arriving in Australia in colder months.

We also prepare welcome packs for the refugees which have basic materials in them to make their first few days in Bendigo more comfortable.

One of the other things we use is wallets and purses.

School uniforms and backpacks for the young children is another need.

Many children have never owned a soccer ball or any other piece of sporting equipment.

If you can help by donating goods for our refugees please call our Bendigo site on 5448 1600 and ask for a settlement services team member.